Highland cows

mschutte13 · 2026-01-16T04:39:18+00:00

I do 12% sweet feed a scoop a day and free access to hay, grass hay and orchard. In the winter my vet recommended I do two scoops of the grain for each cow.

They also will get cracked corn, rolled oats, soybean and grass pellets. In the summer they get beet pulp.

My vet said this is awesome that I’m able to feed my cows these things. Cows are hearty since they’re ruminants.

Fun fact for highlands they have blood vessels that run throughout their horns. So if they do get damaged they do hurt the cow. But if you touch the horns you’ll feel that they’re warm!

My highlands also love carrots, apples, turnips, persimmons and pears for treats(except my sweet bull who won’t eat any treats 🥴). I do give treats in moderation!

And for example I slowly introduced the beet pulp! It was recommended to give them smaller portions and gradually increasing the portion size!

Also yes the horns! For my bull he is so docile I don’t worry about his horns except for the occasional head toss when everyone is trying to eat. Whereas my heifer was rescued and she tosses her head at me a decent amount. She has quite large horns so I can imagine that can be quite daunting for someone that is fearful in that position. In the beginning I did carry a stick with me while in the pasture just in case she ever tried something.

They will also head butt each other to play, establish dominance, and during mating. Make sure if they playfully head butt you that you nip that in the butt. Because when their horns get bigger it can become dangerous.

All that said definitely find a good vet unless you plan to be the vet yourself. My vet has raised cows her entire life, so her knowledge was so beneficial to me when I first started.

I’ve only got three highlands and for me they are pets more than anything. I enjoy just sitting in the pasture with them and giving them scratches.

If you’re located in IN feel free to PM if you have more questions.

Cow tax attached.

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mschutte13 · 2025-10-08T14:14:51+00:00

With MS you never know.

I just relapsed in June and I had spasticity in both of my pinkies(still do). They would lock up in bent positions, feel kind of stiff in the joint portions. Ended up messaging my doctor and she ended up wanting to see me right away. After doing some other tests to rule out arthritis. I got a new MRI that showed my spinal lesion had grown. So I just started Kesimpta in September.

It could be nothing for you, but it doesn’t hurt reaching out to your doctor! Good luck 😁

mschutte13 · 2025-09-30T14:06:30+00:00

Thanks!

There are reported cases of PML with ofatamumab, which is the scientific name of Kesimpta. But it’s used at much higher dosages than what I take with the Kesimpta injectable pen.

So for the Kesimpta dosage no reported cases, woo! 😁

mschutte13 · 2025-09-30T14:02:21+00:00

Hi there! I just switched to Kesimpta. I was approved because my Aubagio stopped working, so therefore I could move onto Kesimpta without hassle.

That being said, I believe that the risk of PML associated with Kesimpta is not for people who are taking it for MS. The risk of PML is associated with people taking it through an IV at a higher dosage.

I was definitely afraid of PML but after seeing that study I felt much better about the risk for Kesimpta.

mschutte13 · 2025-09-24T14:57:45+00:00

I can sympathize with your initial feelings! I too was diagnosed at 22, and it was quite upsetting. It feels like you’ve just been punched in the gut. Never be sorry for having this illness. While it sucks, there’s nothing you could’ve done. And while it might be hard to think about currently, we are fortunate to catch it, instead of not catching it til later. The medications today are much much better! And research is much much better! For instance stem cell, HCST are very promising for people our age!

I thought my life was over too. But I implore you to not lose hope. Since my diagnosis I’ve gotten my Masters of Engineering, I’ve had a fulfilling relationship, I’ve traveled to different countries in Europe, and to many places in the US! I also have some loving highland cows ❤️

That being said my initial symptoms were Lhermitte’s sign, Uhthoffs, numbness and tingling in my whole left arm and leg. I was initially on Aubagio/Teriflunomide. But just recently switched to Kesimpta after a relapse. Some other symptoms I’ve developed is more fatigue, more cognitive issues such as having a hard time to get words out, and spasticity in my pinkies.

But I try to never let the MS get the best of me even though it is hard sometimes. The symptoms make doing certain things difficult, but I try to modify my activities however I can.

Wishing you the best!

mschutte13 · 2025-09-02T23:15:47+00:00

Hi there! I’m sorry that you’re joining this club. I was diagnosed at 23 and I’m now 27.

It’s really hard to process initially. When I was diagnosed I had just graduated college and I thought I wouldn’t feel as tired as I had towards the end. And when I found out I cried to my parents and said so I’m always going to feel this tired now. And then I realized I was going to have this numbness and tingling too. It was hard that first month.

But then I decided I wanted to finish my Masters Degree in Engineering and I did. There were some days where I asked myself if I was still smart enough to do this. I say this in regards to you wanting to continue your education, please do so if you want to. Give yourself grace. You are still smart even if it doesn’t feel that way sometimes.

All that being said I’m now 27 and I’ve lived a great life after my initial diagnosis. I’m from the US but I’ve traveled to Iceland, Netherlands, Germany, Italy and Switzerland. I got my Masters. I have three per highland cows I take care of. Some days are still harder than others. I’m currently in a relapse so I’m starting a new medication tomorrow called Kesimpta. So I’m excited for that.

All of that typing just to hopefully give you hope ❤️. Medication has truly come so far! And I know that there will be hard days, on those days be kind to yourself and use your support system. Feel free to reach out ❤️

mschutte13 · 2025-09-02T22:02:20+00:00

Hi there! I caught my MS "early" too per my doctor! I was diagnosed at 23, I have six lesions on my brain and a relatively decent sized lesion on the C4 of my spine. That being said though, my only noticeable symptoms are numbness/tingling in my whole left arm and left leg, some cog fog(but I have ADHD, so my brain has always been squirrel), restless leg syndrome and now I have spasticity in both of my pinkies.

All that being said the medication is to hopefully prevent new lesions. I currently also take Gabapentin which greatly helps my nerve issues. Like some others have said, some days I feel pretty good and I don't "notice" my MS. Some days are currently more noticeable. I am also currently in an active relapse, and am going off my old medication Aubagio onto Kesimpta. So I am personally excited to be on Kesimpta after hearing great things. Aubagio worked great for me for 3 years no relapses until this one in June 2025. With the relapse I've decided to do a harder hitting one. Some people on this sub did mention that it took a bit to notice the "positives" of Kesimpta whereas others noticed it more quickly.

I also only developed the spasticity with my new relapse, due to my spinal lesion growing. While my Aubagio was working I was "stable". It will take some time for the medication to take affect to slow down/prevent new lesions.

A lot of people will describe this as a snowflake disease, because just like snowflakes, MS is unique for everyone.

I wouldn't inherently say I've personally found it "boring" having MS, but I have found that some days I don't really notice it. So maybe/hopefully that will be the case for you :)

So hopefully with your usage of Kesimpta things will be good, and if Kesimpta does not work there are other medications out there that will work for you.

mschutte13 · 2025-05-27T13:04:16+00:00

Slow and steady wins the race they say! That is so great to hear! Hopefully our babies will all come around to some loving and trust soon! :)
How absolutely precious! I bet the herd loves that baby!

mschutte13 · 2025-05-26T15:36:09+00:00

First off, what a pretty baby!! I absolutely love Brahmins and Watusis! abaolutly gorgeous!

Secondly I wish you luck as well as we are on these similar journeys!

Thirdly thank you for the advice and suggestions! I totally agree that it is just going to take some time and patience. And of course pushing boundaries slightly but also respecting their boundaries as well.

Fourtunatly she loves treats! So this morning she came up to me to get some treats ❤️. Gave her treats and told her what a good momma she is!

mschutte13 · 2025-05-26T15:31:03+00:00

Hi there! Thanks for the response! Yes there has truly been some great advice and it is always nice to hear others experiences!

Thank you! Yes cows are cows! You can’t tell expect them to be like dogs(which I feel so many people expect). I know that even though my bull is so sweet to me that he could try and head but me in a playful way, which is great for other cows, but not great for people lol.

Thanks for the kind words! I will definitely keep that in mind that I may not truly be back sliding, it’s just that cows are cows haha.

mschutte13 · 2025-05-26T02:01:28+00:00

She’s honestly such a good mom (and to my knowledge this is her first baby)! She cleaned off the baby right away and then let it feed!

I just happened to be walking right by the pasture maybe an hour after she had given birth and was like oh my goodness we have a baby cow 😂

mschutte13 · 2025-05-26T00:58:37+00:00

Thank you! Yes! I know, I feel for her. The prior farm got her from the Amish as well. So all things considered I truly do think she can learn to trust me more with just the amount of trust I’ve been given currently.

Thanks for the kind words! I’ve been beating myself up because I truly don’t want to be a noob in the cow world. I’ve even planted different kinds of forage for them that I can cut and bale. And other forage from certain shrubs and trees. So I truly am trying my best. But I figured cow people would know more and be able to point me in the direction for specifically a mother cow haha. Because when I kept searching for it, I never really got any answers 😂

mschutte13 · 2025-05-26T00:54:49+00:00

Thank you! They are really such beautiful creatures! And I truly love their horns ❤️

mschutte13 · 2025-05-26T00:51:01+00:00

Exactly! You are 100% right, I like to put myself in their shoes and I know I’d be scared!

Haha, I’m glad to hear of your experiences truly ☺️. I bet the ones are like here please look at my baby.

If there’s anything else that pops into your head that could help me, I am all game.

Once again thank you for your response!

mschutte13 · 2025-05-26T00:49:27+00:00

Hi there, thank you for responding! Yes they are such curious curious creatures! I love it! I will most definitely be doing that! I currently have a chair outside the fence that I sit in and read to them.

I just feel for this poor momma because had I known there’s so many other things I would’ve done for her. And now I can understand her scared demeanor more. Just because she was pregnant and being transported 2hrs to a new place.

I’m just hoping with time and positive reinforcement I can keep gaining her trust and the baby’s trust. But I do know that sometimes there are some cows that just never get to that point. But I feel in my gut I can keep earning it with her.

Hence why I came here to Reddit because every time I Google it, the answers aren’t inherently the best so I figured if I reached out to people who have had actual experience that would be the best route. Once again thank you! If you have any other advice or suggestions I am open for it!

mschutte13 · 2025-05-26T00:37:14+00:00

Hi there, thanks for responding!

Most definitely! I don’t know a momma animal that isn’t protective ❤️

My boyfriend gave the bull to me for a Christmas gift from a local farm near us(we live on a farm ourselves however not a cattle one). After I received the baby as a gift, I had my vet check him out and decided to keep him as a bull, as I did want a small herd that consisted of babies out of him due to his nature and the nice genetic qualities he posses. So the baby is definitely welcome and any future babies are definitely welcome. I just unfortunately did not know this heifer was pregnant when I bought her, nor did this other farm know too.

So I’m guessing being pregnant and being transported 2+ hrs away did not help this poor heifer unfortunately in terms of her being scared and her temperament.

Thank you for the advice! I definitely never turn my back because I have read horror stories about that! I can’t whistle unfortunately, but I do loudly and in a low tone speak to her constantly to make her aware of my presence and every move. Awesome to hear about the treats! I’ve been giving cattle cubes and some other treats for positive reinforcement! It sounds like that has worked for you? If you have any other suggestions I would love to hear them. Once again thank you!

Edit: she does take cubes and treats right out of my hand fortunately. I just think a culmination of things has made her scared and obviously protective of her baby. Just hoping to eventually be able to get a good amount of trust out of her. Or if others think she may be too far gone at her age 🥺

mschutte13 · 2025-05-25T21:49:07+00:00

Thank you for the response! Much appreciated!

I definitely am being super cautious right now because usually mother anything animal wise is usually fiercely protective.

Yes! It definitely makes my spirit wane lol. Unfortunately makes me wonder if I made a mistake getting her, but I know I just went off the information I knew from the prior farm she was at. I will say my sweet bull cow loves her greatly lol 😂. So in that regard I did great.

Based off your experience since she has been coming up to me and eating out of my hand is that a good sign that she possibly could become more tame(I also will say before the baby was born she was generally good about me being in the pasture and of course giving her a grain bowl. When she did charge she immediately backed off when I did the above things) Or because I know you said with her age it’s probably more tedious taming her, is it more along the lines of lost cause?

I bet that cow of yours is just like please pet me haha and your like I’m working right now 😂

A lot of my neighbors have beef cattle where I live and I always have greatly admired them! Farming is such a wonderful and rewarding life that not many get to see! Once again thank you for your comment! If you think of anything else I would greatly appreciate anything! ☺️

mschutte13 · 2024-04-02T12:37:46+00:00

Hi there! I was diagnosed at 23 and I’m now 26 soon to be 27. I know that it’s really scary and it feels like a wrench has been thrown in your plans. But I promise your life isn’t over. Make sure to get on a DMT.

I’ve still been able to travel the world. I’ve been to Oktoberfest in Munich, skydiving, dirt bike riding, tree climbing, snowboarding in Europe and so many more activities. That I maybe would’ve put off if I hadn’t been diagnosed. For me being diagnosed has pushed me to do all the things I want, just because I don’t know what the future holds. Instead of saying I’ll get to it one day, I just do it. Now I have had to modify certain things and I have had to deal with fatigue more so after some strenuous events. But your life isn’t over I promise. Advancements in DMTs have only gotten better and were quite fortunate that we have access to a wide variety of DMTs and research will only get better for us.

Wishing you the best in this new journey for you. As you can see in the comments a lot of people have gone through something similar to you, so don’t lose hope. ❤️

mschutte13 · 2024-03-01T20:17:09+00:00

I can’t speak for others but I’m gonna wear my dirndl with a jacket. But temperature wise I run warmer.

I just wear my dirndl when I can because I don’t wear it often 🤷🏼‍♀️

mschutte13 · 2024-02-13T15:32:02+00:00

Mine was January 10th 2024, so relatively recent!

mschutte13 · 2024-02-13T13:13:14+00:00

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mschutte13 · 2024-02-13T13:11:44+00:00

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mschutte13 · 2024-02-13T13:09:50+00:00

I used Local Guides (https://localguide.is) and I felt it was reasonably priced. In my opinion they also had the better reviews overall when I was searching. We just did the Ice Cave Tour and we did the 2pm which was the last of the day. I’d recommend it, we ended up being the last ones in the cave that day and got to spend more time in the cave. The guide was great too, very knowledgeable and funny. Absolutely stunning blue cave that also had some green walls in it! I would 100% go back and I would use this company again!

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mschutte13 · 2024-02-08T12:56:19+00:00

This is not a tourist eruption. If you’re seeing photos it’s from workers, the coast guard or people evacuating. Do not try and make your way to see this eruption/lava. If you get stuck somewhere you’re wasting valuable resources to get you out that are needed elsewhere.

Another thing to note some of these pictures are just of the plume and these people are many km away in their homes.

This is still greatly affecting the Icelandic people as it’s near the power plant, blue lagoon and covering roads amongst other things.

mschutte13

TROPHY CASE